A new study published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine reveals that antibiotic-related adverse drug events (ADEs) lead to 145,000 adult Emergency Department (ED) visits in the United States each year. Young adults (20 – 34 years) visited the ED for antibiotic-related adverse drug events from oral antibiotics twice as often as older adults (≥ 65 years).

Antibiotics save lives, and when antibiotics are needed, the benefits usually outweigh the risks. When prescribing or taking antibiotics, consider the possible side effects – it’s one way to ensure smart antibiotic use and best patient care. Healthcare professionals and patients should communicate about risks and common side effects of antibiotics, including rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections – as well as more serious side effects like C. difficile (C. diff) infection and severe or life-threatening allergic reactions.